brinton



July 10," 1923.

w. cl' BR'INTON CURVE RECORD 'SYSTEM Filed Sept. 26 1917 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Wim W. c. B-RINTN 'CURVE RECORD SYSTEM mwlamm July 10, 1923.

ERZ

July 1o, 1923.

w. BRINToN CURVE 'RECORD SYSTEM` -3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 26 1917 Factory Payroll' Weekly A'915 loo'ooo 9a opoo 500.000 '100,000 ooioao soqvoo 400,000 300,000 200,000

J2- 517/51 ad Patented July 10, 1923.

WILLARD C. IBRINTGN, OF NEVI YORK, N. Y.

CURVE RECORD SYSTEM.

Application led September 2G, 1917. Serial No. 193,391.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, Winnen C. BRINTON, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of New York, county and State of New York, have invented certa-in new and useful improvements in' Curve Record Systems, of which the following is a specification, reference being had` to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof. n l

My invention relates to `methods and equipment for the graphie presentation of facts, and has special reference to graphic records utilized in factory rand business management, and known as graphic control cards.

l@ne object of myiinvention is to pro` vide particularly simple and effective record sheets or cards and methods of combining,

bodiments of my invention, overlapped por.

the purposes of comparison.

The same cards are shown combined in another way in Figure 2.

Figure 3 yshows a pair of cards for a different purpose, superposed for the purposes of comparison, the top card being partially broken away to illustrate the one beneath.

under card of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of a light box which l prefer to use in comparing graphic control cards.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show small portions of modified cards which also embody my invention.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, l have here shown the three cards which represent the sales made by a salesman designated W, from the beginning of the year 1914i, up to Figure 11 shows the lower` part of the` a plurality of the 8th month of the year 1916. The cards for the years 1914, 1915, and 1916, are designated respectively, 1,0, 11 and 12 and are similar to each other.

Referring to the card 10,- 13 designates the base line, and 14 a plurality of major c0- ordinates parallel therewith. -These are drawn at a' predetermined distance apart and preferably at a convenient unit distance such as one inch, and they are preferably heavier than the intermediate coordinate lines or of a contrasting color so that they are readily distinguished therefrom.

Between the major coordinates 14 are intermediate or subdivisional coordinates 15 parallel to the coordinates 14C, and a plurality of coordinate lines 16 at right angles to the base. n

The coordinate ield is confined to the lower kright-hand portion of the card area, a narrow margin 1( being left at the right hand edge and at the bottom, and a wide margin being left at the top and at the left side.

The length of the base line. in the example chosen represents a deiinite time which in this case is one year. The coordinates 16 divide the base into twelve equal parts which represent months. ln the margin 1S at the left sides are scales 19, 20 representing values. In the example illustrated one of the scales is laid out with $20,000 equal te one space between subdivision coordinates 15. The other scale 20which may be made in red ink is laid out with one space equal to $40,000. On -the curve sheet are three curves 21, 22 and rl`he curve 21 is laid out by the scale 19 and is preferably drawn with the same color ink as that employed in making the figures of the scale 19.

rllhe curve 21 represents actual values of the sales made by the salesman Vf, for the successive months of the year 191e. This curve does not go to zero, or to the left hand side line of the coordinate area, be-

cause it may be assumed that the salesman started to work d an. 1st and the first monthls total was obtained Feb. 1st, or at the end of the first month. For this reason the left hand line is marked 12 at the bottom and theneXt vertical line 1. f The curve 21 shows at a glance what the salesman is doing and when the best seasons for business were. The curve 22 is cumulative curve and it is laid out by thescale 20. It may for example be made in red ink corresponding to the figures of the scale. The points ofthe curve 22 are obtained by adding the sales month by month, so that the end of the curve 22 indicates the cumulative sales for the year.

Assuming that the salesman has been at work for some time so that records are available for a year past, the curve 23 is produced by plotting the total sales for the preceding twelve months, at the end of each month. rIhe curves 22 and 23 of course meet at the end of one year.

These three curves may together be referred to as a Z-chart, as two of them spaced apart and in substantially horizontal directions are joined by the third which runs from the right hand end of the upper one to the left hand end of the two first mentioned lines. and therefore assumes the charactern istics of a capital letter Z.

By referring to Figure 2 where the curves for the two years and part of the third year are available, it is evident that the curves 22 and 23 for the year 1916 constantly serve as a means for estimating the total sales for the year before the year is completed, because the always meet at the end of the year. y

The curve 23 may, if desired, be drawn in a third color and columns of figures designated 24-25-26 are located at the top of the card in the n'iargin, each amount being opposite one of the vertical coordinates 16, and giving the value of the sales corresponding to the mouth represented by its coordinate.

The scale selected for the total and cumulative curves is dierent from that used for the monthly sales curve. This is not necessary but is desirable because it brings the curves closer together where they can be more easily compared.

The column of figures 24 is marked Month and is preferably laid out in black ink corresponding to the curve 21 and the scale column 19. Furthermore, it is the bottom column of the three so that it corresponds in relative position -to the lower curve to which it relates. In like manner the middle and top columns 25 and 26 correspond to the middle and top curves.

In the right hand margin near the bot-torn of the card is an arrow line 27 which is adapted to have the head put on to indicate the desired liuctuation of the curves 21, 22, 23. Of course in the example represented the desired fluctuation is upward. As explained in connection with Figure 3, the arrow 40 is left incomplete because no particular chance of the curve is desirable except relative to some other curve. For example7 it is often desirable to have the payroll increased if the value of sales increases to a greater extent.

Figure 1 shows how to compare the actual sales for the three years, particularly with reference to any given month or season of the year. Attention is directed to the fact that the narrow margins at the bottom permit the curves to be brought close together, and furthermore, the heavy, major coordinate lines 14 serve as a guide to the eye. l/Vhen the cards are overlapped as shown in Figure 1, it is evident that the curve for the remainder of the estimated.

In order to get a general line on the salesmans work to ascertain particularly whether his work is improving or wiether. he is producing poorer results, the three cards are preferably lapped as shown in Figure 2. The narrow margins at the right-hand of the cards enable them to be brought close together so that they form practically a continuous curve. In the arrangement of Figure 2 the curves are not only joined but the columns of li'gures at the top of the card are united into practically continuous columns, and the one set of scales visible at the left applies to all the cards. The narrow margin may be omitted entirely if desired, thus enabling the cards to be lapped to produce a continuous coordinate field. The year to which the record applies is indicated both in the upper right and lower left-hand corners of the cards to make them visible when the cards are overlapped in either of the ways above described.

The cards are preferably made of translucent material such as a high-grade ledger paper, Celluloid or the like, in order that they may be superposed for comparison, for instance, the cards for the years i914 and 1915, might be directly superposed, the coordinate areas being correspondingly located on each. They may conveniently be compared by placing them on the translucent top of a light box as shown in Figure 5 and as hereinafter explained.

In order to illustrate another feature of my invention graphically.. I have shown unlike cards superposed in Figure 3; 30 is the under card and 31 the super-posed card. The card 30, a portion of which is also shown in Figure 4, is a factory sales carl and has vertical coordinate lines 32 corresponding to the line 16 of Figure 1 and designating the year by months. The coordinate area is disposed at the lower right hand portion of the sheet and the horizontal coordinate lines 33 between the major lines 34 may be spaced at any suitable distance apart, dependent on the scale to be utilized. The major lines 34 however correspond to the major lines 14 and are preferably at a unitary distance apart, preferably one inch.

The sheet 31 has a coordinate field of the year 1916 can readily be have a pay roll plotted on it, the pay roll` being made up Weekly, whereas the card 30 may have a monthly sales factory record. The advantage of arranging and laying out the cards as above described, is apparent from the fact that'the two items which it is highly desirable to compare, may be di` rectly compared by superposing the -cards even though the cards have their coordinates laid out in a different manner.

The curve 36 is plotted to represent the weekly payroll, While the curve 39 represents the factory sales.

There is another condition which must be taken into consideration in order that the best comparative results may be secured, and that is the selection of scales representing values which are not necessarily the same for the two cards, but which are so chosen as to make the curve substantially center on a predetermined major coordinate or at a predetermined distance from the base. I prefer that the scale shall be selected as an example shown in Figure 3,

-' to make the curve center on the one inch line, that is to say, the first major coordinate above the base.

It is not essential, and in some cases not desirable to superpose the cardswith their edges in register, the curves being brought into approximate register by keeping the base lines, or the average height curve lines, such as the oneinch lines, together and lat erally sliding the cards intosuitable relation.

For example, referring to Figures k3 and 4, it is apparent that the short marks designated 50 and representing the beginning and end of the months will not coincide with the coordinates representing weeks except wlienthe month begins at the beginning of a week. The month lines will be different for different years and in comparing curves the short month marks on the weekly card such as 3l, are brought into register with the month marks or month coordinate lines, such as 32 on the monthly card 30.

If the cards are super-posed with ythe f months in register and the curves `do not even approximately correspond in position while their shapes are similar in generaly curve lags about three months behind the factory payroll curve in Figure 3.

Having ascertained this relation the curves may be broughtinto register by moving the card 30 to the left until the peaks approximately correspond in position. ln

this relation the payroll curve may for example be examined to determine a discrepancy relative to the sales and a careful check is available at all times. i

If the lead or lag from year to year varies materially, steps may be taken to correct it by hastening deliveries, etc.

If curves are compared by merelyV plotting on the same sheet as heretofore, the coordinate layout is likely to be unsuitable for at least one of the curves and comparison of the curves is diincult, whereas, according to my invention, each curve has its own coordinate field which is chosen to suit the values to be plotted.

In plotting the curve, the value representing in round numbers the average height of the curve is first determined approximately, then a scale is chosen, which brings the average height at the one inch line of the sheet, the selection of the particular sheet or card being such that the minor transverse coordinates divide the space con-k veniently' with reference to the average height value. For example, if the average height value is found to be 80,000 the sheet or card shown in Figure 6 may be chosen because 80,000 is readily divided into fourths.

n Each of the sheets is provided with a headless arrow in the right hand margin near the bottom which may be completed as already explained. rlhe headless arrow 40 of thepay roll sheet will however, be left uncompleted because it may be desirable to increase the pay roll at one time and decrease it at another. The arrow 4l of sheet 30 will point upward because it is desired of course to increase the factory sales.

In Figures 6, 7 and 8 l have illustrated portions of additional sheets 42-43 and 44. These have correspondingly located and spaced major coordinates 45. rlhey furthermore have correspondingly located vertical coordinates 46 but 'the intermediate or subdivision lines for card 42 divide the space between major coordinates into four parts, those of card 43 into live parts and those of card 44 into six parts. Other cards may of course be provided dividing the spaces into still smaller subdivisions.

From the example already set forthtlie particular utility of this arrangement will be apparent.

ln utilizing the cards, l prefer te employ a scale such as a triangular scale, laid out in inches, with subdivisions on its various faces, showing Various fractions of an inch. For instance, one l.surface may divide the inches into fourths, another into fifths, one into sixths, etc., making` the intermediate or subdivisions correspond With the subdivisions between the major coordinates of the cards. @n the scale each of the subdivisions above referred to is still further subdivided into tenths makingit very easy to locate points onthe curve being plotted.

lin comparing the cards by the method of superposing as above described, l prefer to utilize a box or frame 52 having a top composed of two spaced panes 5l and 51g, and containing an electric light 5S, or sonic other suitable means of illumination, so that the cards may be laid on the top glass with the light shining through them. Ey using` tivo spaced panes of glass the outer one is relatively cool and all danger of injuring,` the cares is avoided. Amber glass may advantageously be used for 'the outer pane :is the contrast bet-Ween the black lines of the curve sheet and the background is made sharper'. A reflector may preferably be placed in the box behind the light or the interior Walls of the box suitably Whitened.

The cards may of coursev be spread on a table or turned over in a file, but it i l possible in many cases to malte a` very esting presentation of recorded facts by throwing a reflection of the curves and all the matter found on the sheet, onto aw screen by means of a suitable stereopticon or tlector machine.

Continuous Z charts may be made up on a single sheet to have somewhat the appearance of Figure 2 with a series of cumulative curves meeting' the total curve at various points. rlhis is particularly interesting as showing the total annual Variations.

The total curve may of course be based on any predetermined total other than one year if desired. For example, it may be based on a sii: months period and if the curve slice is made up for one year, tvo cumulative curves Will appear, one joining' 'the total curve at the end and the other at a convenient point.

@n the actual value curves, attention is directed to the fact that the points where the curves cross the vertical coordinates truly represent the values for the ii'ion'th so that it may be found desirable to use t series of dots or points representing the actual value for each month which 'is represe ted by a single vertical coordinate line instead of connecting the points by straight lines which do not accurately represent values between the month lines.

ln order to make a curve complete as shown in Figures 6 and 7, l prefer to number the vertical coordinates on` the base line 12, i, s, e, a, 5, e, 7, e, 9, io, ii, 1arte niet. is representing,` the last month of the preceding year. i

Attention is particularly directed to the fact that the total curve which forms a part of the Z chart shows the difference between the current month of any one year and the saine month of the preceding; year by its direction. For example, if the total curve moves from one month to the next in an upward direction, that indicates that the current month is better than the precedinicgI month of the previous year, whereas if the total curve drops that means that the present month is Worse or louer than the saine month of the preceding` year; that this is 'the case becomes evident if is considered that the point on the total curve for tie current month is obtained by addino the actual value for the currei'it month to e preceding' and subiractinp,` the value for t ie same month. of the previous year.

A#attention is also directed 'tc the fact that e total curve is an annual rate curve since t a definite comparison from year to year and as already pointed out, may be continued over series of years with a plurality of cumulative curves used in conjuncwith if desired.

@n curves such as for example, payroll ves, special` symbols or stars may be located at prominent peaks and valleys, and `foot notes l" de in the margin of the cards to specify the cause, such as a holiday, inveniory, shut down, etc.

Vln makingr the Z charts the total and cumulative value curves are drawn to the same scale and the saine color may be used for both While the actual value curve alone is drawn to a different scale and of a. contrasting color.

Various methods of utilizing the invention may suggest themselves to those slrilled in the art, and intend only such liniitationel as are indicated in the appended claims.

What claim is:

l. A plurality of translucent sheets having variously colored curves thereon adapted to be compared by being superposed or overlapped, each sheet being provided With major coordinate lines Which are correspondingly spaced on the several sheets and are adapted to register when the sheets are conipared, and intermediate coordinate lines which are noncorrespondingly spaced on the several sheets t coonerate with the major coordinatelines on each sheet.

2. A plurality of translucent sheets having curves thereon representing values and adapted to be compared by being superposed or overlapped, each sheet being,- provided With major coordinate lines Which are correspondingly spaced on the several sheets and are `adapted to register when the sheets are compared, and intermediate coordinate lines which are non-correspondingly spaced on the severa-l sheets but equitably divide the spaces between the major coordinate lines on each sheet.

lli)

i B. A plurality of translucent sheets having curvesv thereon representing values and adapted to be compared bybeing superposed or overlapped', each"` sheet being provided with relatively heavy major coordinate lines which are correspondingly. spaced on the several sheets and are. adaptedtoregister when the sheets' areY compared,l"and rela?` tively light intermediate coordinate lines which are non-correspondingly'spaced on the several sheets but cooperate with the inajor coordinatelines on each sheet. y

5. lA 'plurality ot translucent sheetsv liaving curves thereon representing values and yadapted to be compared by being superposed or overlapped, eachy sheet being yprovided witli major rcoordinate lines which are and are adapted to register when the sheets are compared, intermediate coordinate lines which are non-correspondingly spaced on the several sheets but equitablydivide the spaces between the major coordinate lines on each sheet, and additional coordinate lines eX- tending 4at an angle to the major and minorL `coordinate lines and correspondingly spaced on the several sheets;

6. A plurality of translucent curvesheets adapted to be compared by being super@ posed oraoverlapped,'each sheet being pro- Knon-correspondinglyspaced on the yseveral sheets butcooperatewith the* major coordll' 50 videdwith major 'coordinate lines which are correspondingly spaced on the several sheets andare adapted to registerwhen the sheets are compared, and `intermediate coordinate lines ot contrastingfappearance which are nate lines on ez'ichsheet.` l Y 7 Aseries 'of coordinate sheetsadapted to -be superposed having-major division linesV spaced at a predetermined unit distant apart for purposes of comparisonand having different intermediate division lines on differ' ent cards'ot'the seriesQ- i 8. A plurality of curve sheets adapted to be compared in which the sheets have correspondingly located. zero lines andunlike but related curves, the scale tor each curve being selected to cause'the mean curve height tobe tiltv ata predetermined fixed distance from the zero line on 'alllthe curve sheets.

9. A`- plurality oit' curve sheets adapted to be compared yin which the sheets have corre-i values for each period of time, a secondyrepresenting cumulative values obtained by adding the values'tor each period to the preceding, and a third obtained by plotting `the values for a time period equal to the total period represented on the sheet `but reckoned backwardl for each point on the curve. c 11; A curve sheet having a coordinatel area divided into time periods in one direction and three curves plotted thereon with a coinmon base line and representing respectively, actual 'values for each time period into which the coordinates divide the sheet; y

cumulative values obtained by` adding the value of each time period to the preceding; and total values for a period equal to the total period represented on the sheet but measured backward trom each point on the curve.

l2. A curve sheet having a coordinate area y vwith its'base line divided into divisions to correspondingly spaced on the several sheets j ing lrespectively first actual valuesv for the several parts of a year into which the base is divided; second, cumulative values obtained by adding the value for each part of a year to the preceding total; and third, total values obtained by taking the 'value tor the year preceding measured from each point on the curve.

`13.'.A curve sheet having a coordinate area divided into time periods in one direction and three curvesy plotted thereon with a common "base line and representing respectively, actual values yfor each time period, lcumulative valuesk obtained by adding 'the value loffeach time period to the preced ing; and total valuesobtained by taking the totalvalues for total p'eriodsveach equal to thetotaly period represented on the sheet butnieasured backward from yeach coordinateline ofthe page, the cumulative and total curves beingplotted'to smaller scales than the continuous lvalue curve to bring thein close to the continuous'` value curve.

ferentcolors with a common'base line and representingL first actualvalues for each time period into which the coordinates dividevthe sheet; second, cumulative values obtained by adding the valuerot each time period t0 the preceding; and third, total values obtainedl bytaking the total values for a total period each equal to the total period reprelet.y curver sheet having a coordinate area divided into time-,periods in one direcf tion Aand three curves plotted thereon in vdifbackward the curves to which they relate,

sented on the sheet but measured backward from each coordinate line ot the page, and .data ligure columns for the several curves located in the margin ot the sheet and corresponding in` color tothe curve to which they relate, H i Y .A curve sheet havinga coordinate area divided into time periods in one direction and three curves plotted thereon with a common base line and representing first actual values for each time period into which the coordinates dividethe sheet; second, cumulative values `Obtained by adding the value or each time period tothe preceding; and third, total values obtained by talring the values tor a total period, cach equal to the total period representedyon the sheet but measured backward from each coordinate line ol the page, and .data gure columns tor the several curves bearing corresponding relative positions on the sheet to the curves to ywhich they relate. y 1

16,. A cur-ve sheet having a coordinate area with a base line divided into divisions to represent equal parts ot a year and three curves plotted from said base line in contrasting colors and representing respectively lirst actual values for the several parts @t ,a year into whiclithe base is divided, second, cumulative values obtained by adding the value tor each part of a year to the preceding total, and third, total values obtained by taking the value 1for one `year at each part of a year measured backward therefrom, and columns ot ldata figures located in the margin of the sheet corresponding in color to the curve to which they re late. i i

17. A curve sheet havinga coordinate i area and a base line divided into divisions t represent equal parts of a year and three 'curves plotted' to' different scales thereon from said baseline representing respectively, lirst, actual values -tor tlie-several ,parts ot a year into which 'thebase is divided; second, cumulative values obtained by adding the value for each part ot a.

year to the preceding total, and third, total valuesobtaiiied by taking the value for one year at each part of a'year measuring baclrwerd therefrom. and columns of dataffigures bearing corresponding' relative positions to V18. A curve sheet havinga coordinate area divided into timeperiods in one direction and three curves plottedthereon with a common base line andy representing first actual-values for each time period into which the coordinates divide the sheet;

second, cumulative values obtained by add.`

the value ot each time period to the preceding; and third, total values obtained by taking the values tor a total period, each equal tothe totalperiod represented on the `Sheet but measured backwardl from each c0- tions on the sheet to the curves to which i they relate. y c

19. A plurality ot curve sheets having base lines representing ,successive equal time intervals and adapted to ybe plotted corre.-

spondingly and overlapped in one dii.c tion to form a continuous curve and to be overlapped in one direction for ,seasonal comparisons, and numbers designating. the year to which the record relates o n opposite corners ot each sheet, whereby it is visible when the sheets are overlapped either in direction or the other. f

20. yA plurality ot translucent cur-ve sheets adapted to be superposed for comparison between curves for dili'erent years `by months or seasons, Ahaving correspondingly located base lines, provided with short Across lines indicating months ot the yea?! and adapted to register, and 'dissimilarly arranged coordinate lines, and a curve on each sheet plotted to a kscale to make it .correspond in general position tothoseol' the other sheets.,4 l

2l. A plurality of translucent curve I adapted to be superposed for coinparisonbev tween curves fordillerent years yby months orseasons, having correspondingly located y base lines provided with means for indicating the relation between the ends of the weeks and the ends of the months and adapted'to register,'and dissiinilarly arranged coordinate lines, and a curve on each sheet plotted to a scale to make it correspond in general position to those of; the other sheets. 23. A curve sheet havin@ a coordinate tra lOO

area, .a cumulative value curve plotted thereon to a .predetermined scale for a series of time periods, anda total value curve plotted 4thereon to the same scale for time periods equal to the total period plotted on the cumulative value `curve, with said curves nappreaching. a common point,

24. A curve sheet having plotted thereon a cumulative value curve tor a ser-ies of subperiods of time forming parts of a predetermined. time period, and a total value curve plotted to the same scale and based on a succession of overlapping time pBIOClS Calculated backwardlyfor each sub-period,

25. A curve sheet having plottedv thereon be superposed ior comparison,` and a corresponding scale on each caid to which the curves are plotted in one direction, and knon- .corresponding scales for the curves in the other direction, chosen to make the mean curve height ot the different curves substantially alilre.

28. A plurality of coordinate record cards having equally spaced major coordinate lines adapted to bevarranged in alignment with the cards partially overlapped to malre a continuous record and intermediate coordinate lines of contrasting yappearance and di-V vidingthe spaces between the major coordinate lines into unequal subdivisions on the several sheets.

29. A plurality of translucent curve sheets adapted to be superposed for comparison and each having a difterentbut related curve plotted thereon, and a correspondingly lo cated Zero line for each curve, the scales to Which the diiferent curves are drawn being such as to make them correspond in v general when the sheets are superposed.

my hand this divided into time periods in one direction,

and tvvo curves plotted thereon to the same scale with a common base line and representing {ir-st cumulative values obtained by adding the actual value of each time period of the preceding, and second, total values obtained by taking` the values for any prede-v termined period but each measured back- Wardly from its point on the curve.

3l. A Z-chart comprising an actual value curve, a total value curve, and a cumulative i value curve.

32. A Z-chart comprising an actual value curve, a total value curve, and a cumulative value curve, the actual value curve being dravvn to contrast in appearance With the ytotal and cumulative curves.

A Z-chart cornprisimq1 an actual value curve, a total value curve, and a cumulative value curve, the curves being drawn to contrast in appearance.

34e. A Z-chart comprising an actual value curve, a total value curve, and a 'cumulative value curve, the total and cumulative curves being,` drawn in one color and the actual value of the curve in another color.

35. A plurality of sheets overlapped in one direction with one pair of their edges in registering alignment, a base line, major coordinate lines parallel to the base similarly located on each sheet and unlike intermediate or subdivisional lines on the several sheets drawn to contrast in appearance, whereby unlike curves may be readily compared as to a common element represented,

such as time.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set l2 da of September, 1917. WIL ARD C. BRINTON. 

